The Oklahoma City Thunder took control of the 2025 NBA Finals on Monday night with a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Despite the Pacers making a late push, the Thunder held strong and finished off the victory to take a 3-2 series advantage.
On Thursday night, the NBA Finals will shift back to Indianapolis. With Indiana trying to stay alive and Oklahoma City looking to lock up the championship, it's sure to be must-watch basketball.
Just a couple of games ago, the series felt much different for the Thunder. The Pacers held a 2-1 series lead and were also leading Game 4 in the fourth quarterback. Indiana had a chance to take a 3-1 series lead, but were unable to close the deal.
Now, Oklahoma City is one win away from a ring.
Ahead of Game 6 on Thursday night, the Thunder have sent out a seven-word message. They're clearly taking the trip back to Indiana like a business trip.
"Getting right back to work in Indy," their post read.
Finishing off a series, especially the NBA Finals, is the most difficult win of the year. With the Pacers having home-court advantage, Oklahoma City will be facing a very hostile atmosphere.
Jun 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Jun 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
There is a major storyline to watch ahead of Game 6. Indiana star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is dealing with a strained calf. He is a game-time decision for Thursday night's matchup.
Without him on the floor, the Pacers would be facing a much more difficult task of forcing a Game 7. More information will be known about Haliburton's status on Thursday leading up to the game.
Game 6 is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday evening. If the Thunder are unable to close out the series, they would return home for Game 7 on Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. ET.